ESCAPE to Family Fun

THINGS TO DO

The Santa Clarita Valley Convention of A.A. is hosting its fifth annual Enchanting Moonlight Dance on Saturday, July 26, from 4 p.m. to midnight at the Jack Bones Jr. Equestrian Center in Castaic. The event includes a barbecue dinner, A.A. Gratitude Speaker, carnival games for the whole family and dancing. The cost is $10 per person. RSVP online at www.scvaaconvention.org or call 310-0384.

Castaic Lake programs

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting two new programs at Castaic Lake Recreation Area. For Movies at the Lake, the community is invited to bring snacks, a comfortable chair or blanket and enjoy a family movie in Paradise Cove on the lagoon. Vehicle parking is $11, but the movie is free. Movies are scheduled for Aug. 8, Sept. 5 and Oct. 3. There will also be talks about sailing, kayaking, fishing, astronomy and local history. For information call 257-4050.

Citrus Classic

The inaugural Citrus Classic Balloon Festival will be held July 25-26 in Santa Paula. For more information, visit citrusclassicballoons.com or call Carla Edwards at (805) 432-0903.See story, 12.

Each third Thursday of the month, Newhall Church of the Nazarene is hosting Hope-n-Mic, a new open mic forum for Christian musicians and their friends. Come play your music or stop in to listen. All ages and musical styles are welcome, provided the lyrics are appropriate to a Christian audience. Piano, keyboard, amps, sound system and drums are provided. Bring any other instrument you want. Light refreshments served. The church is at 23857 The Old Road. Call 259-5272 or E-mail Bob Heller at rah@rheller.net.

Lexus Jazz and Blues Series

The sounds of live jazz and blues bands once again fill Town Center Drive in Valencia during the 10th annual Lexus of Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series. These events feature regional, national and international entertainers in a quaint street party setting while offering interactive activities for adults and children.

This year's series will run through Sept. 5. Hours for the concerts will be from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and they will take place on Town Center Drive adjacent to the Hyatt Valencia. Throughout the scheduled series there will be a variety of interactive programming for the entire family, including a children's area. No pets or outside food or beverages are allowed. Admission is free. The concert line-up includes: July 25 - Louie Cruz Beltran, Aug. 1 - Lightnin' Willie & the Poorboys, Aug. 8 - Lori Andrews JazHarp Quartet, Aug. 15 - Tom Nolan Band, August 22 - Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Aug. 29 - The Delgado Brothers, Sept. 5 - Michael John & the Bottom Line.

REP 81 Series

The Repertory East Playhouse will continue the highly anticipated "81 Series" at 8 p.m. July 18 with the critically acclaimed drama "HurlyBurly" by David Rabe (see review, p. 7). HurlyBurly will run through Aug. 2. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. This is a limited engagement performance. This show contains adult language and adult situations and is intended for mature audiences only. For tickets, purchase online at www.repeastplayhouse.org or call 288-0000. The REP is located at 24266 Main St.

EventsChristmas in July Sale

The Assistance League is holding its annual "Christmas in July" sale at its Take Two Resale Shop through July 31. The shop is at 24364 Main St. in downtown Newhall. New items are put out every week. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Donations are always welcome. Proceeds from the Resale Shop benefit various philanthropic programs, including Operation School Bell, which provides new clothing for children in need throughout the entire Santa Clarita Valley. Assistance League serves children, seniors and families in need, bringing caring and commitment into action in the SCV. For information, visit www.assistanceleague-alsc.org or call the Resale Store at 255-1991.

SCValley Mommies Boutique

SCValleyMommies.com presents a "Holiday in July" Boutique & Sale on Saturday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Valencia Library Community Room, 23743 W. Valencia Blvd. Shop national and local vendors. The event is free and open to the public. For information, E-mail susie@SCValleyMommies.com.